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While design rumors were often conflicting, specs rumors for the phone usually mentioned the same hardware: Snapdragon 800 or Exynos 5 Octa CPU, 3GB of RAM, camera with optical image stabilization and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

We expect the new Note 3 to pack some of Samsung existing Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S4 apps – some more useful than others – and we expect the company to introduce more software features of its own, particularly S Pen-related.

Purported Galaxy Note 3 camera sample

Just like the LG G2, the Galaxy Note 3 is expected to have a main camera with optical image stabilization – purported Galaxy Note 3 camera samples have been leaked a few times, although we’ll be waiting for the handset to become official to better assess its camera powers. Expect some camera-related Samsung software features as well from this Galaxy Note model.

Launch date and pricing

At this time, we have no idea when the phone will launch, but we expect it to hit plenty of markets in the near future. We also expect the handset to be available in a variety of colors (with more color options to be rolled out in the coming months) and we expect dual SIM versions of the Galaxy Note 3 to be launched in certain Asian markets – after all, that’s how Samsung does business.

However, we’re going to remind you that unlike in previous years, there’s going to be quite a war in the “phablet” market. The Galaxy Note 3 will have some tough adversaries including the already launched Sony Xperia Z Ultra (see our review here) and the rumored HTC One Max.

Does that mean Samsung will have an added motivation to launch the device as fast as possible after its IFA introduction? We wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen. Some reports did say that Samsung may be interested in releasing the Galaxy Note 3 as quickly as possible to make up for the poorer than expected Galaxy S4 sales.

The phone was also said to start mass production this month – which seems like a logical move for the company.

Galaxy Note 3 GFX Bench results | Image credit: Sam Mobile

For what it’s worth, the Galaxy Note 2 was unveiled on August 29 and launched on September 26 last year. The Galaxy Note was announced in September 2011, and started selling in late October 2011, with the U.S. only receiving it in early 2012.

[Update September 1st, 2013:]∫ Since the last update, we’ve received information on the release date of the Galaxy Note 3. Details inside! It looks like the Galaxy Note 3 will be arriving in first tier, premium markets like the UK and Hong Kong as early as September 16, with a public release to occur as early as September 21st]

Wrap up

Make no mistake, the Galaxy Note 3 rumors aren’t going to stop. We expect to see more leaks in the coming weeks, and we’re going to update this rumor roundup accordingly.

One thing is clear though, the Galaxy Note 3 is one of the most expected Android handsets of the second half of the year. The question is, will Samsung’s new Note be able to surprise us with anything? What do you think?

Will you buy the Galaxy Note 3, or are you getting a different extra-large smartphone this year?